Carnival (Carnevale) in Italy 2024-2025

Carnivals in Italy, known as "Carnevale," are celebrated in numerous cities during the weeks leading up to Easter, with festivities peaking before Ash Wednesday and Lent. These celebrations typically last two to three weeks, culminating in the grand final day known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. The heart of these winter festivities is the parade of artistic masks, vibrant costumes, and colorful floats, accompanied by lively music and parties. Dating back to the 1200s, Italian Carnivals remain a cherished tradition, attracting both locals and international visitors.

Acireale Carnival (February 15–March 4, 2025)

The Acireale Carnival, one of Sicily's oldest festivals, has been celebrated since 1594 and is famous for its vibrant parades. Over the years, the carnival has evolved from satirical events mocking the powerful to an extravagant spectacle of papier-mâché floats and intricate floral displays. The tradition of float-making began in the late 19th century, and today, it features parades with illuminated figures and lively music. Mardi Gras evening closes the celebration with awards and fireworks, marking the culmination of this joyful event.

The history of the carnival includes symbolic elements like masks that mocked authority, particularly the clergy, and playful orange and lemon throwing. Over time, the carnival became more elaborate, incorporating floral decorations and larger, more elaborate floats. By 1996, the Acireale Carnival became part of Italy's national lottery, solidifying its status as a key cultural event. The modern celebration blends centuries-old traditions with contemporary artistry, attracting thousands each year.

Carnevale di Venezia (February 14–March 4, 2025)

Every February, the Carnevale di Venezia transforms Venice into a grand, two-week masquerade, enchanting both locals and tourists alike. The streets come alive with kings, queens, knights, and noblemen as revelers don elaborate costumes and masks, enjoying days of feasting, wine, and celebration until the festival concludes on Shrove Tuesday, just before Lent begins. The carnival is renowned worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere and captivating events, including historical re-enactments, water shows, street performances, and thematic parties.

Highlights like the "Flight of the Angel" and the "Feast of the Maries" showcase the city's rich traditions. At the Dinner Show, guests experience a masquerade ball in the opulent Ca' Vendramin Calergi, while intricate Carnival masks, steeped in history, add to the spectacle, each reflecting Venice’s unique cultural legacy. With roots dating back to the Middle Ages, the festival was revived in 1979 and now attracts millions of visitors annually.

Viareggio Carnival (February 8, 16, 22 & 27–March 2 & 4, 2025)

Viareggio in Tuscany hosts one of Italy’s grandest Carnevale celebrations, spanning several weekends with six major parades. The festival is famous for its spectacular parades featuring massive, vibrantly colored floats adorned with elaborate paper-mâché puppets that portray politicians, celebrities, animals, and various characters. Each year, the floats grow in creativity and size, some towering over 20 meters high and 12 meters wide. The parades include a procession of 14 large floats, nine costumed groups, and nine individual masks, with over 250 performers dancing on the main floats. The celebration culminates with an awards ceremony for the top-ranked floats.

Originally started in 1873 as a masquerade event for the wealthy, Viareggio's Carnevale has expanded to include street parties known as veglioni colorati, where people celebrate in costume with music and dancing through the night. The event's symbol is the Burlamacco mask, a figure that represents the spirit of Viareggio's Carnival.

Ivrea Carnival & Battle of the Oranges (March 1–4, 2025)

Ivrea, in Italy’s Piedmont region, hosts the Historic Carnival & Battle of the Oranges, a unique and vibrant celebration that dates back to 1808. This festival culminates in a massive orange-throwing battle in the city center, where teams reenact a historical revolt against Napoleonic troops, symbolized by opposing groups in colorful, citrus-filled combat. Participants who prefer to watch can wear a red Phrygian cap to show they are non-combatants, a tradition that honors the spirit of the event without requiring involvement in the orange fight.

Other festivities start several days before the battle and include historical parades in honor of figures like the Vezzosa Mugnaia (a local heroine), fireworks, and a traditional meal of polenta and codfish in Piazza Lamarmora, which marks the end of Carnival. This celebration fills Ivrea with the scents and colors of oranges and showcases a fascinating blend of history and tradition.

Cento Carnival (February 16–23, March 2–9–16, 2025)

The Carnival of Cento, held in Ferrara, Italy, has roots going back to the 1600s and features the famous masked character “il Berlingaccio.” The event spans five Sundays leading up to Lent, transforming the city into a vibrant parade of music, dancing, and colorful floats. A popular highlight is the “gettito,” where plush toys, candies, and inflatable objects are tossed from the towering floats to the crowd below. The parade culminates in Piazza Guercino, where a jury selects the best float, and the Carnival closes with the burning of the “Tasi” mask, marking the festival’s end with traditional flair.

Each weekend features unique events, such as Ferrari and Alfa Romeo car parades, a motor festival by Gruppo di Molinella, and even a masked fun run. On March 7-9, “Cento Special Comix” adds a pop culture flair, inviting comic enthusiasts and cosplay fans to join the carnival spirit. The celebration reaches its peak on March 16 with Tasi’s symbolic will reading, a bonfire, and fireworks. A full ticket valid for one Sunday is priced at € 18.

Putignano Carnival (December 26, 2024–February 16–22, March 2–4, 2025)

The Carnival of Putignano, celebrated in Puglia, Italy, is one of the country's longest and oldest traditions, beginning right after Christmas on December 26 and concluding on Fat Tuesday before Lent. The festival dates back to 1394 and is renowned for its extravagant parades of vibrant floats, masks, and lively costumes. The opening ceremonies include the procession of St. Stephen's relics, during which a candle-passing ritual between local leaders marks a symbolic acceptance of Carnival's spirit of indulgence. From the first day, groups of poets and performers entertain crowds with satirical verses, critiquing public figures and past year events.

As the celebration unfolds, each Thursday brings a themed spectacle dedicated to different social groups, leading to the most famous “Cuckold Thursday,” with humor and tradition interwoven in playful ceremonies. The Bear Festival reflects ancient seasonal beliefs, marking the coming of spring with a theatrical performance about a bear’s dual role as friend and adversary. On Shrove Tuesday, the “Macaroni Bell” tolls 365 times, signaling the end of festivities. At the same time, the grand Carnival funeral, featuring a papier-mâché pig, ceremoniously transitions Putignano into Lent with dance, music, and a final feast.